yep - the same. I have a sister who sells Sears appliances.

I too agree Janome machines cannot be beat, even the low end ones are hardworking machines and seldom let you down. Buy from a dealer and you get complete instructions on how to use them and take care of them. Machines often picked up at Wal-Mart and box stores are not reliable and the parts wear out very quickly. And you have a place to take them that validates your warrenty.

I have that very same machine and have been very happy with it, this is the machine i have learned to quilt, FMQ and sew on. No problems with it at all.:thumbup:

I would definitely recommend it!

I got mine from Sears and I haven't had any problems with it. I got the extended warranty so I can have it tuned each year without additional cost.

My sewing machine is similar to yours. I have more stitches but I really enjoy sewing with the machine. I do wish I had somce classes but it is very easy to learn to operate. My machine has 2 alphabet fonts-upper and lower case. Playing with the letters I have learned to use different thread to make the letters softer looking-enjoy your sewing.

I have a janome and love it, my friend bought one 'cuz i loved mine, she loves it too.

I have butted in to tell many people looking at machines at Walmart to go check out what Sears had before buying. The portable Kenmores are so much better then the ones sold at Walmart. Sears local stores have unadvertised sales on the machines when they change models to carry in the store.

I have two kenmores...1970's and 1996 computer...they are both work horses...no problems

I do alot of quilting and have a very expensive viking, however my favorite machines are a singer 401,500, and 301. The 301 I take to classes. I love my singers because they are indestuctable and really easy to maintain.

I had a Kenmore that I bought in 1973...it was a workhorse and never gave me a bit of trouble. I was good at taking it into the service guy once a year for cleaning and that was it. I wanted bells and whistles so bought a NEW HOME 8000 Memory Craft in 1990...LOVE IT and take it in once a year for cleaning and service, too. Gave the 73 Kenmore to our daughter who has used it alot since and she loves it. On all my machines, I use the brush and tweezers to clean out the lint after each use plus I do alot of "blowing". Have to DO something with all the hot air I have in me!! ;)

I bought a Brother X6500 at WalMart about 5 years ago and LOVE it,, also. It's the machine I drag around to classes and retreats and I've found it to be a real work horse, too. Only problem I've had with it was a broken thread spindle which I replaced for $3.95. Again, I take it in once a year for servicing and cleaning. I truly do think the servicing is key to getting hood, long, efficient use of your machine. I do the same with my 2 FW's.